Chlamydia trachomatis modulates expression of tumor suppressor gene caveolin-1 and oncogene C-myc in the transformation zone of non-neoplastic cervical tissue

Human ITFγ-treated fibroblasts as well as non-neoplastic cervical tissues responded to C. trachomatis with a strong down-regulation of caveolin-1 mRNA and a light up-regulation of C-myc mRNA. These changes were independent of the HPV high-risk types. This study reveals possible mechanisms by which C. trachomatis infection may contribute to neoplastic changes in the transformation of uterine cervix. These possible mechanisms require further evaluation.